1: Increase the Shower’s Water Pressure
For better water pressure, first loosen mineral deposits that could be clogging the flow. Unscrew the shower head and soak in a bowl of boiling water and ½ cup of vinegar for 10 minutes. If you can’t remove the head, ﬁll a plastic bag with full-strength vinegar and tape it over the ﬁxture. Let it sit for an hour, then remove.

The kitchen is one of the most complicated remodeling projects because of all the decisions you will make throughout the process. We’ll walk you through this with our planning and buying guides, covering everything from foundation appliances, cabinetry, surfaces and finishes to sustainable products and extras like wine coolers and microwave drawers.

According to Remodeling magazine, a major kitchen renovation can result in a return on investment of between 61 and 70 percent of the cost.

Evolution of the Kitchen
Over time, the kitchen has evolved from a place where food is simply prepared and served in another room into a multi-function open area that is the heart and soul of the home. No matter its size, the kitchen is a big part of every modern household.

When remodeling a kitchen, think function, efficiency, style and longevity. A kitchen should last for 20 years or more, says Mary Jo Peterson, principal, Mary Jo Peterson Inc. “Choose cabinets you love, and a layout that works for your family’s lifestyle,” she advises.

What’s that smell? The musty odor on towels, tile, and basement walls can be a sign you have a mildew problem. Don’t worry: With a few simple pantry items, you can completely eliminate the odor and stymy future mold growth. Here’s how.

Photo: shutterstock.com

Among household odors, mildew undoubtedly ranks among the worst. And unfortunately, it’s all too common, lurking in the dark, damp corners of your home. If you were looking for a quick fix, there isn’t one. The smell of mildew can literally develop overnight, especially during periods of damp and humid weather. Getting rid of that smell—and making sure it doesn’t return—is an ongoing effort. But luckily, it’s not a particularly difficult effort: You can get rid of that mildew smell pretty easily, using only items found in most pantries, so long as you can identify the source of the odor. That’s the tough part. The rest? Persistence.

Search and Destroy
Sniff around. The first step in getting rid of a mildew smell is to locate the source of the problem. Remove impediments to your search. In the bathroom, that means taking down the shower curtain and temporarily relocating toiletries that would obscure your view of the likeliest breeding grounds (e.g., grout lines or tub caulking). In the basement, pack up old newspapers, cardboard boxes, and any other disposables. Focus your attention on surfaces vulnerable to moisture.